Should have come here first! Any good word on the Versa?

[Bergerman]

I just bought a 2008 S with a Power Pack last week but wish I had come here first. It appears that I paid too much for a car that may have lots of problems and that is what I was hoping to get rid of when I traded in my '93 beater. Just curious, are there any positive things about the car that I can look forward too? Mine had 5000 miles on it but a year of warrenty is gone. Did they make improvements in the 2008 (2nd?) model year.

[kc5f]

There were a couple of common problems when I first bought mine that were fixed by 2008. The passenger airbag assembly coming loose at the back, the driver's side mirror sometimes not being properly fitted, some problems with the TPMS. (Mine only had the first.)

My daughter has a 2008 and had the fuel pump regulator replaced (a common warranty problem) and no other trouble. Some people complain about the gas mileage, but some of us are happy for the tradeoff to get a high-quality car. Good luck with yours!

[Driving Instructor]

I just bought a 2008 S with a Power Pack last week but wish I had come here first. It appears that I paid too much for a car that may have lots of problems and that is what I was hoping to get rid of when I traded in my '93 beater. Just curious, are there any positive things about the car that I can look forward too? Mine had 5000 miles on it but a year of warranty is gone. Did they make improvements in the 2008 (2nd?) model year.

Hi,

I don't think you made a wrong decision! It's a good car for a good price. But you get what you paid for and hopefully you get a good one. I had many problems but now at 120 000 kms, it's a great little car. I still have the issues of the KLUNK and the gas mileage sucks but again, I only paid 21 000 with taxes out the door (Canadian price). Way bellow the competition. So, I think you made a good call just remember to maintain it well and it should treat you fine!

Best of luck! GP http://www.thedrivingschool.ca

[Vahagn23]

I dont know what problems your talking about. The most I have is ratteling when hitting potholes, but thats it. I drove to Cali from NY and back and no problem. Great car. No problems at all I almost have 20k miles on it. Bought it in 07

[IMHungry]

A great car. My wife has an '07 and I have an '08. Love 'em both. You won't be disappointed.

The nature of most message boards is such that there are more negative comments than positive. Take everything with a grain of salt and enjoy the ride.

[frankoV]

Quick answer: ymmv.

mileage seems to be the prime complaint [then rattles and klunks that I have avoided]. while unhappy with my mileage the leg room and finish make it more than an acceptable vehicle for me.

my other choices were bigger more expensive cars: Camry [boring, voted off the island first], Accord, Mazda 6 Sport.

[randyshemin@comcast.]

We got our 3008 Versa SL HB in 1/08. Now has 18,300 miles with zero issues. For the $, this car has excceded our expectations, and the space inside, ride quality and quietness are superb for a car in this class.

[sooner4x4]

Relax and enjoy your Versa. Most owners have had no problems with their V. I also have the S with the power pack and really like the car.

You don't hear anyone talking about serious issues: no problems with engines, transmissions, electrical, A/C or other expensive stuff. I spend some time on other auto forums ( cars I own or are interested in), and some vehicles are seriously plagued with numerous significant issues. Not the Versa.

I spent months researching, driving, reading up on the competition before buying the Versa. This car is one of the best "bang for your buck" vehicles out there. Lots of positive aspects about the Versa as a basic economy car.

[Bergerman]

Thanks, guys, for confirming what I thought. This is the first new car that I have purchased and when I came out here and saw a couple of bad reports, I got worried. Sounds like if I take care of the car, I should be able to make it last. The one question I have now is about the rough ride. I realize it is a small car but it almost feels like it has bad shocks already. Is that normal? It rides like a little bit better then the '93 I traded in and I was just wondering if that was something to be concerned about. I will read some more threads to see if I can find any discussion. Thanks

[Stumpkin]

I've read here in a few Threads that different tires make a huge improvement in the ride. I won’t spend the bucks on new ones until it is time to replace them. I will get better ones then. My past history with new cars is that econo/entry level cars come with econo/entry level tires. In other words I don’t expect the stock tires to last nearly as long as a good mid to high mileage tire. So the wait for new tires won’t be long. Then I’ll find out if it’s true.

[07Vsdn]

0 problems at 30k miles.

i can get 32 mpg at 75mph on the highway.

it does have some rattles in the dash, but at this price point i guess i should not be surprised.

[kc5f]

I've been impressed with the ride in mine since day one. No, it won't ride like a land yacht, but it's not at all a rough ride. Maybe Bergerman can find another Versa to ride in and compare. As for the tires, my stock tires made it past 60k with no problem, and while I didn't upgrade greatly the new ones were better but didn't make much difference in the ride.

[keanucosmo]

Main improvement for 2008 was making cruise control available on S model. I had an 07 S for 15500 miles before it was totalled. I have an 08 S with 25000 miles. No problems with either. Both with over 32mpg. I had some complaints about the 07 and have mostly the same complaints about the 08. But for the price and value the 07 gave me, I went back for an 08. The biggest adjustment was how much the Versa moves around at freeway speeds when it's windy.

[Bergerman]

Just filled 'er up and wound up getting about 28mpg on the first tank so I'm wondering if that falls in the good city milage range. It happens to be better then the other cars we have and way better then the trade in but I was hoping to break 30 easily with our kind of driving.

[Vahagn23]

thats a good number to get. As for the ride being rough, it is rough, but its normal, its not luxury car where you dont feel a thing. The only thing I hate about the V's suspensions is when its like a bump or something like that my foot will actually hit the gas either harder or softer due to me being thrown inside of the car. I wear boots sometimes when driving, this is due to my job not because its cold or anything like that, and sometimes its not really comfortable to drive with them in the V, I get less feeling on the pedals.

[Bubs daddy]

Mine's coming up on two years at the end of the month. 21,000 miles.

Get's 32-34 mpg combined city/highway all the time.

Had a small rattle/squeak that I fixed easily. The 6 CD changer stopped working, repaired under warranty.

After 21,000 miles and two years of driving, tires look great, paint looks great, interior fabric holding up well. No complaints.

Always been reliable. I change the oil myself, use Mobil 1 synth.